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Santa Fe, NM ~ May 6, 2008 (this document is available as a PDF file) Questions asked of all candidates:
Elizabeth Lujan “Dolly”, running for County Commission District 4 Kathy Holian, running for Santa Fe County Commissioner, District 4 Harry Montoya, running for U.S. Congress, District 3 Zack Boatman, running for US Senate Ron Simmons, running for U.S. House of Representatives, District 3 Ben R. Lujan, Jr., running for U.S. Congress, District 3 Angela R “Spence” Pacheco, running for District Attorney Joe Campbell, running for District Attorney Janice Saxton, running for NM House of Representatives, District 22 Erminio Martinez, running for NM Senate, District 6 Jeff Carr, running for NM Senate District 7 Louis Gallegos, running for Public Regulation Commissioner Bruce Throne,running for Public Regulation Commission, District 3 Joe Maestas, running for Public Regulation Commission, District 3
Candidate’s Name: Elizabeth “Liz” Stefanics 1. Which constituent stories did you find particularly compelling or surprising? Why? Unfortunately I was out of town caring for my parents and was unable to attend the forum. My campaign representatives (Thomas Romero and Sandra Wechsler) conveyed the heartfelt stories and passion that was displayed by constituents. I understand that community members are concerned about immigration issues, the economy and the living wage, oil and gas drilling, and importantly education. 2. If elected, how would you address some of the concerns discussed tonight? Immigration – I would encourage dialogue and some pilot projects between the county and Somos Un Pueblo Unidos. I would serve as a friend to ward off any unfriendly actions toward immigrants. Economy and living wage – I believe the county would want to support the development of green businesses, those that would not have a great impact on the environment and practice conservation measures. I would sponsor and support a living wage in the county to mirror the city. I believe that regional transportation continues to be of importance to the citizens of SF county. Oil and gas drilling – I live in the Galisteo Basin and want the drilling stopped. I believe the county could demand high bonds to protect the water. The county could enact more health and safety ordinances that protect against dust, noise, and other environmental hazards and require bonds as well for these issues. The county could work with our legislative delegation to change laws from being a nondisclosure state to a disclosure state so that property owners would know who owns the mineral rights on their property. The Surface Owners Protection Act could be reviewed for further amendment as well at the state level. Education – Better planning and coordination with the SF Public School district for schools and school services in the county. With the SF Community College, there needs to be better coordination in planning programs for meeting the job needs of the community and preparing all those willing to enter the work force. 3. What kind of experience do you have working directly with the communities represented at tonight’s event?
Organizations/Communities represented: 4. If elected, how specifically would you continue to engage in dialogue with the communities represented tonight.
I will continue my ongoing participation in the groups as
mentioned.
Candidate’s Name: Elizabeth Lujan “Dolly” 1. Which constituent stories did you find particularly compelling or surprising? Why? Stories about the lives of our parents and grandparents. Overall, everyone at our table agreed that we must continue with our ancestral ways of sustainability. Our future generations need to be able to live in an environment with water, clean air and educational privilege. Bring back our trade schools. 2. If elected, how specifically would you address some of the concerns discussed tonight?
A. Education of our youth and parental communication (bilingual communication).
Helping our youth to get a college education and not be in debt for the next 20
years. 3. What kind of experience do you have working directly with the communities represented at this meeting? As district president of our hospital union, I’ve had the opportunity to protect our employees of Mexican origin. Being an interpreter has helped me with communications and protections of these employees’ rights. I have won every issue that I’ve set out to win. Getting better job opportunities and better pay through justice of our union and protection by a contract. I have demonstrated and carried flags supporting our immigrants and their rights. 4. If elected, how would you continue to engage in dialogue with the communities represented at tonight’s event?
Open door policy.
Candidate’s Name: Kathy Holian 1. Which constituent stories did you find particularly compelling or surprising? Why? I found the most compelling thing to be the suggestion that people wanted to "go back to the way our parents or grandparents lived." Apart from the modern comforts we take for granted, there was a stated desire to return to growing our own food and also a desire to gain energy independence, by exploiting solar and wind energy, rather than continued dependence on fossil fuels. I was deeply gratified by the audience's understanding of environmental issues, including global warming and its obvious effect on climate change. Most impressive to me was the general embrace of grass- roots, up-from-the-bottom organization, rather than passive acceptance of the authority of the wealthy and powerful in our society. 2. If elected, how would you address some of the concerns discussed tonight? The platform I'm running on as candidate for County Commissioner is precisely aligned with the goals of Equal Voices. I believe that we need to engage the people of Santa Fe County in an overall plan for future growth, one that addresses our needs for sustainable water supply, rather than unfettered, unintelligent growth, and one that recognizes our vision for quality of life in this most beautiful and culturally varied of settings in the entire Southwest. We need to have policies at the County Government level that promote local small businesses, particularly in green construction, and provide local well-paying jobs and training for alternative energy and conservation of water and energy. We also must promote our local farmers, so that we can move away from importing over 95% of our food -- a practice that depends on cheap fossil fuel, and which is threatened by ever- spiraling prices of oil. As a county government, we need to find ways to enable homeowners to upgrade their homes' energy and water efficiency, so that we can deal with drought and economic hardship. The small steps we take now will prevent the need for desperately larger leaps in the future. 3. What kind of experience do you have working directly with the communities represented at tonight's event? For the past 6 years, I have been a member of the County Development Review Committee, an advisory body to the Board of County Commissioners on land-use and water issues. When cases have been brought before us, and especially when there have been contentious relations between neighbors, I have sought to encourage all parties to understand each other's side of the story. In almost every case, the developer has gone back to the drawing board to answer the issues raised by the neighbors, and an amicable resolution has been found. Not always, but most of the time. I have also participated in the Galisteo Watershed Partnership studying the plans for growth in the southern part of Santa Fe County, which has been organized jointly by Earth Works Institute and the Growth Management Division of the County. The main goal of this partnership is to engage members of the various communities in this part of the County to get their vision for the future, including the areas they want to protect from sprawl development or exploitation by mining, oil, and gas. Finally, I have been deeply involved with Quivira Coalition, a group whose goal is to build a healthy connection of people to the land. The movement, called by some "The Radical Center," since it brings together environmentalists, foresters, ranchers, and farmers, has gained a growing number of adherents in the Rocky Mountain region. They emphasize going beyond sustainability, in order to attain healthy communities, which will be better equipped to survive the mounting challenges of peak oil, global warming, and economic chaos. 4. If elected, how specifically would you continue to engage in dialogue with the communities represented tonight? Town-hall meetings like the one tonight are essential to making our community sustainable in food, water, and energy. The general understanding of the problems we face, as shown by the audience tonight, and a willingness to join together to solve problems, will enable us to deal with difficulties we are sure to face in the next few years. If I am elected, I will hold town-hall meetings like this -- not just for my own constituents, but for the County at large -- bringing elected officials like myself to learn from the community. An informed consensus will be the best way to deal with our future challenges.
Kathy Holian
Candidate’s Name: Harry Montoya 1. Which constituent stories did you find particularly compelling or surprising? Why? Alfonso’s situation and the despair he feels as a young person living in Santa Fe. Now is the time to make change. 2. If elected, how specifically would you address some of the concerns discussed tonight? As an elected official, I am working on these concerns on a daily basis. I will continue to fight for all New Mexicans and produce results as I have the last 14 years as an elected official. My tenure as a school board member allows me to act on what needs to be done at a federal level. My tenure as a county commissioner has included working on issues such as affordable housing, green building, water conservation and sustainable water supply, and prescription drug programs to reduce drug costs. I have experience that works and proven leadership. 3. What kind of experience do you have working directly with the communities represented at this meeting? 4. If elected, how would you continue to engage in dialogue with the communities represented at tonight’s event?
Candidate’s Name: Zack Boatman 1. Which constituent stories did you find particularly compelling or surprising? Why? The story of local water rights. 2. If elected, how specifically would you address some of the concerns discussed tonight?
Education is paramount to creating change. 3. What kind of experience do you have working directly with the communities represented at this meeting? I’m a teacher. I’m constantly involved with these communities in Santa Fe and New Mexico. 4. If elected, how would you continue to engage in dialogue with the communities represented at tonight’s event? Go into the classrooms.
Candidate’s Name: Ron Simmons Question 1: I was moved by the stories of immigrant students and low-income students about the cultural and financial difficulties of obtaining an education and staying in school.
I was aware of New Mexico's high high school drop-out rate, especially
the rate for Native American and Hispanic students. I was not aware of the
statistic, pointed out by Carolina Flores, that 85% of crimes in the U.S. are
committed by high school drop-outs. Question 2:
1. I would support the ream Act in Congress to allow immigrant college
students who complete 2 years of college to obtain permanent resident
status. Question 3:
I am a licensed NM secondary teacher in English and Math. I have
tutored English and Math at Santa Fe Community College, helping students
stay in school. Question 4:
I would continue to work for civil liberties, immigration reform (not
border fences) and budget and tax policies that support small businesses
and the working class.
Thank you very much for including me in the Town Hall forum,
Candidate’s Name: Ben R. Lujan, Jr. 1. Which constituent stories did you find particularly compelling or surprising? Why? All of the stories and discussions were compelling, but the stories from the younger presenters really struck me. Several of them worried about the cost of college and housing in Santa Fe. One young man thought rising housing costs would prevent him from staying in Santa Fe to raise his family. It’s important that our young people see a path to a bright future. No student should have to turn down college because they cannot afford it, and our young people should be able to raise families in the same communities they grew up in. We need to focus on the middle class and give them opportunities to thrive, so our young people can see themselves as future homeowners and members of a strong and vibrant community. The creation of a healthy economy based on renewable energy and quality health care that is affordable and accessible is essential to strengthening the middle class in New Mexico. 2. If elected, how would you address some of the concerns discussed tonight?
Education is one of the most important assets of middle class families. If a
student is accepted to a college, they should be able to attend that college.
I will work to increase Pell Grants and other college financial assistance to
give students a better future. 3. What kind of experience do you have working directly with the communities represented at tonight’s event? I have stood up for consumers and the people of New Mexico as a Public Regulation Commissioner. My work on the Commission dealt directly with people and I made decisions that also put communities first. I think we saw a number of people, from different backgrounds and communities, who did not think that elected officials had their best interests in mind. We need to reverse this trend, and with the Public Regulation Commission, I brought people and communities into the process, so they knew they had a voice. 4. If elected, how specifically would you continue to engage in dialogue with the communities represented tonight? We need to have events like this on a regular basis. If elected to serve in Congress, constituent services will be a key priority in my office, which I will focus on. Open lines of dialogue are a necessity when representing the 3rd congressional district. My constituents will be able to contact my staff and me whenever they have a question or concern. We need to put people and communities first when making decisions as public officials, and the only way to do that is to listen to the people you represent.
Candidate’s Name: Angela R “Spence” Pacheco 1. Which constituent stories did you find particularly compelling or surprising? Why? I was not aware of the Dream Act. I never realized that immigrant students who work hard in school to get ahead are prohibited from entering college or vocational school because of their immigration status. I just assumed (bad thing to do... assume!) that they would be allowed to continue with their higher education. I try to keep abreast of immigration issues, and this shows that I’m not paying attention, as closely as I should. 2. If elected, how would you address some of the concerns discussed tonight? In my elected position as District Attorney I would attempt to vocalize and address the issue of racism that exists in our community. As a native Santa Fean, I am keenly aware of the issues involving the “local” Hispanics vs. the immigrant population. As the Chief Law Enforcement Officer for the District (Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and Los Alamos Counties), it is incumbent upon me to set the tone for law enforcement within the district to address the racism that exists, and how it impacts the criminal justice system. Racism for me is at the core of poverty, violence, drug/alcohol abuse and lack of personal worth that causes individuals to get caught up in the criminal justice system. 3. What kind of experience do you have working directly with the communities represented at tonight’s event? Too many years experience working with families in crisis and all the related issues associated with poverty, domestic violence, child/sex abuse, alcohol/drug abuse, etc., whether in my work as a social worker in northern New Mexico, or as a prosecutor in the three counties. I can’t begin to tell you the numerous individuals I have worked with in this community for the past 30 years. 4. If elected, how specifically would you continue to engage in dialogue with the communities represented tonight? I am a firm believer that many community problems can be addressed in forums such as tonight’s, where ideas can be exchanged in a respectful and attentive manner to achieve communal strategies for change. On a smaller level, that impacts the Office of District Attorney, I believe that members of the community may have better ideas than me as far as crime prevention is concerned, or personal safety, and alternative programming for convicted felons who have drug and alcohol addictions, or how to deal with negative gang influences, and graffiti, to name a few areas. I would welcome positive community input as to how to deal with these issues.
Candidate’s Name: Joe Campbell 1. Which constituent stories did you find particularly compelling or surprising? Why? The stories on health care were compelling. The issue cuts across all levels of people and cultures. The stories on education were also good because I have children in public education and I can relate to those stories. 2. If elected, how specifically would you address some of the concerns discussed tonight? On the issue of education, I believe the Office of District Attorney should be involved to help make our schools a safer environment for our children. 3. What kind of experience do you have working directly with the communities represented at this meeting? I have worked with the different legal and social organizations with the local pueblos. 4. If elected, how would you continue to engage in dialogue with the communities represented at tonight’s event? I will make it a point to attend the regularly scheduled events and meetings. I will also have a community outreach person to help address these issues.
Candidate’s Name: Janice Saxton 1. Which constituent stories did you find particularly compelling or surprising? Why? I was surprised to learn that immigrant children who are educated through high school and college are not able to work when they graduate. What a sad situation— a terrible waste of talent and totally unfair! 2. If elected, how specifically would you address some of the concerns discussed tonight? I will form partnerships with like-minded legislators to work for social and economic justice, for a living wage for everyone, for path to legal residence for immigrants, for universal health care, for more education funding, for fair elections, for ethical government, and for holding persons who abuse their office responsible. 3. What kind of experience do you have working directly with the communities represented at this meeting? I am on the Board of Directors of Rebuilding Together, an organization in Sandoval County that combats homelessness by doing needed home repairs for families that can’t afford it. 4. If elected, how would you continue to engage in dialogue with the communities represented at tonight’s event? I would attend meetings like this one at every opportunity. I would attend and organize town hall meetings in the communities I would represent.
Candidate’s Name: Erminio Martinez 1. Which constituent stories did you find particularly compelling or surprising? Why?
Green sustainability very compelling. 2. If elected, how specifically would you address some of the concerns discussed tonight?
Being inclusive and transparent. 3. What kind of experience do you have working directly with the communities represented at this meeting? Being from northern New Mexico, I can relate to the economic concerns the group shares. As a former business man and in the public sector, I understand the sincere concern of what the future might bring to future generations. 4. If elected, how would you continue to engage in dialogue with the communities represented at tonight’s event? Listen to their concerns. Have communities participate in the process and get involved and layout the blueprint for government to execute and follow.
Candidate’s Name: Jeff Carr 1. Which constituent stories did you find particularly compelling or surprising? Why? Tractor, electricity, running water, food coops, native seeds, 98% of beavers are gone. Electives in schools. 2. If elected, how specifically would you address some of the concerns discussed tonight?
Education. 3. What kind of experience do you have working directly with the communities represented at this meeting? I’ve taught school for 18 years. I’ve been directly involved in the community all my life at many different levels. 4. If elected, how would you continue to engage in dialogue with the communities represented at tonight’s event? I will have web based communications such as email and blogs. Town hall meetings.
Candidate’s Name: Louis Gallegos 1. Which constituent stories did you find particularly compelling or surprising? Why?
Concerns on infrastructure of telephone and electric services. 2. If elected, how specifically would you address some of the concerns discussed tonight? I will work diligently with the industry, ensuring fair regulatory treatment for both the industry and the citizens of New Mexico. 3. What kind of experience do you have working directly with the communities represented at this meeting? Working with senior citizens, working with 4-H clubs and 77A Boys in the school system. 4. If elected, how would you continue to engage in dialogue with the communities represented at tonight’s event? Continue working with senior citizens to place them on the Low Telephone Assistance Program. This means getting a telephone service for less than $10 per month. Most senior citizens are on a fixed income.
Candidate’s Name: Bruce Throne 1. Which constituent stories did you find particularly compelling or surprising? Why? Elena’s story about wanting to have her children retain their culture while merging into a New (American) culture after moving from Mexico. 2. If elected, how specifically would you address some of the concerns discussed tonight? As a PRC Commissioner, I would help address the water and energy sustainability issues addressed by aggressively implementing water and energy efficiency measures by public utilities and rural electric corporations as we transition to renewable energy supplies. 3. What kind of experience do you have working directly with the communities represented at this meeting? As a past member and president of the Old Santa Fe Association, I have supported preservation of neighborhood and community values and sustainability of the Santa Fe River and the city’s acequias. I also prepared the state of New Mexico’s first lawsuit against the federal government over the WIPP project as an Assistant Attorney General under Jeff Bingaman (now a U.S. Senator) 4. If elected, how would you continue to engage in dialogue with the communities represented at tonight’s event? Yes.
Candidate’s Name: Joe Maestas 1. Which constituent stories did you find particularly compelling or surprising? Why?
I found the stories of the youth at my table compelling because of their parents and
grandparents recently immigrating to the U.S. They discussed the need to preserve
their native language and customs. Recent raids by ICE were mentioned with stories
of families being split apart. 2. If elected, how specifically would you address some of the concerns discussed tonight?
If elected as a Public Regulation Commissioner, I can help establish a “clean energy
economy” through the development and deployment of renewable energy sources
and devices. 3. What kind of experience do you have working directly with the communities represented at this meeting? I am the mayor of Española, a community with its share of challenges. I served on the Española City Council from 2000-2006 before being elected as Mayor. I am a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters and my little brother is Miguel, a 12 year old who lives in the city’s public housing. 4. If elected, how would you continue to engage in dialogue with the communities represented at tonight’s event? Conduct formal meetings and town halls throughout the PRC District 3. I would develop significant public education and outreach to the public about the function and consumer services offered by the PRC.
(this document is available as a PDF file)
Somos Un Pueblo Unido, 1205 Parkway Dr, Suite B, Sante Fe, NM 87507 telephone: 505-424-7832 fax: 505-438-8518 email: somos@rt66.com Los derechos de los inmigrantes son derechos humanos. |
